In Indian mythology, the elephant carries the universe on its back. In Thailand, the animal also symbolises reverence to Buddhism and royalty, and was even the emblem of the country before the national flag was adopted in 1917. This explains the depiction of elephants on the base of so many chedi, especially in Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and here at Kamphaeng Phet. The chedi in Wat Chang Rob rests on a base supported by 68 elephants sculpted from laterite and stucco, hence the name “temple surrounded by elephants”. This monument is the jewel of the site.